You have your dream destination, your vacation is arranged, all you need is a plane ticket. While browsing the unifly.hu search engine, however, you see two seemingly very different offers for the same destination: a fast but more expensive direct flight, and a much cheaper but longer, connecting option. Which one should you choose? This is an eternal dilemma for travelers, a classic battle between time and money. We’ll help you weigh the most important considerations so you can make the best decision for your next trip!

Time is Money: The Undeniable Advantages of Direct Flights

The biggest attraction of non-stop, or direct flights, is speed and convenience. You board at the departure point and the next time you get off the plane, you’re already at your destination. There’s no stress about making connections, no need to search for gates in an unfamiliar airport, and no need to spend hours waiting. This is especially valuable if:

  • You’re going on a short weekend getaway where every minute counts.
  • You’re traveling on business and want to arrive as quickly and rested as possible.
  • You’re traveling with young children, for whom a layover can mean extra hassle and fatigue.
  • You simply prefer stress-free travel.

Direct flights also have a lower chance of your checked baggage getting lost, as the luggage doesn’t have to go through multiple planes. Although the ticket price may be higher, the time and energy saved are worth the extra cost for many. After all, you want to maximize your vacation time, not the number of hours spent traveling.

Patience Pays Off: The Appeal of Connecting Flights

Why would anyone choose the longer route? The answer is simple: money. Connecting flights are almost always cheaper, and the savings can be as much as tens of thousands of forints per person on long-distance trips. You can spend this money on better accommodation, a special dinner, or extra programs that you would otherwise have to give up. If budget is your primary concern, a connecting ticket is clearly the winning choice.

But a layover isn’t just about saving money. A longer, 8-10 hour or even all-day wait (this is called a stopover) can give you the opportunity to quickly explore a new city. A bargain in an Istanbul bazaar, a quick tour of Dubai, or a walk along the canals of Amsterdam can turn your travel into a bonus adventure. This way, you can essentially visit two destinations for the price of one ticket.

When is it Worth Connecting and When is it Not?

There’s no golden rule, the decision always depends on your personal preferences. A connecting trip is a good choice if:

  • Your budget is tight and savings are the most important thing.
  • Your schedule is flexible and you don’t mind if the trip takes a few hours longer.
  • You’re traveling alone or with an adventurous partner and want to incorporate a stopover into the program.
  • The layover time is relatively short (2-4 hours), which can be comfortably spent at a modern airport.

However, it’s worth choosing a direct flight if the convenience factors mentioned above are more important, or if the layover would disproportionately lengthen the trip on an otherwise short route.

What to Look for When Booking a Connecting Ticket

If you choose the cheaper option, there are a few things to pay attention to for a smooth trip. Before booking your ticket on unifly.hu, check the following:

  • Layover time: Allow at least 1.5-2 hours between flights, especially at large international airports. This ensures you have enough time to walk to the other gate and go through any further security checks.
  • Airport change: Make sure your arriving and departing flights depart from the same airport. Some large cities (e.g., London, Paris) have multiple airports, and the transfer between them will cost extra time and money.
  • Visa requirements: If the layover takes place in a country that otherwise requires a visa, check if you need a transit visa, even if you do not leave the airport.
  • Baggage: Usually, checked baggage is automatically transferred to the connecting flight, but if your booking includes multiple airlines that are not partners, you may need to collect and re-check it. Always check this with the airline!

The unifly.hu search engine allows you to easily filter by the number of layovers, making it easy to compare the prices and total travel time of direct and connecting flights. Find the perfect solution for you today!